New Delhi:After a disappointing start to the Formula 1 2026 season, four-time champion Max Verstappen hinted at retirement. Red Bull manager Laurent Mekies responded. Verstappen stated that he is thinking about retiring at the end of 2026 because of his continuous difficulties with the new power unit in the series.
PromotionThe Red Bull driver told the BBC, "That's what I'm saying," in response to a question concerning a potential retirement at the end of 2026. Everything in this paddock is on my mind. In private, I'm overjoyed. You also have to wait 24 races. It's 22 this time. but typically 24. After that, you simply consider whether it was worthwhile. Or do I prefer spending more time with my family at home? When you're not enjoying your sport, do you spend more time with my friends?"
PromotionMekies responded to Verstappen's remarks. "We are having zero discussions about those aspects," Mekies stated to the media at Suzuka on Sunday. "We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm confident that Max will be much happier when we get him a fast car.
Additionally, he will be a happier Max by the time we give him a car that he can push and change things. To be honest, that covers 100% of our current conversations. As you are aware, there are both positive and challenging aspects to the regulations. Additionally, as a sport, we will get together with the other teams during the break to see how we can improve.
Max Verstappen had a frustrating Japanese Grand Prix, spending most of it stuck behind Alpine's Pierre Gasly and making little progress.
During the Japan weekend, the Red Bull driver frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the car's handling and balance, even referring to it as "undriveable." Red Bull has fallen to a "distant fourth" in the 2026 order, behind Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Scuderia Ferrari, and the defending champions McLaren Formula One Team, who made an impression in Japan, according to team manager Laurent Mekies.
"There's nothing to be pleased about today, but in terms of the overall lead over the competition, it appeared to be about half a second behind the best Ferrari and one second behind the best guy in the Melbourne photos. However, McLaren is currently at the same level. We are a far fourth, then. That's the truth," he stated.
And whether it's here or in Melbourne, I believe it's a combination of underlying performance. Thus, we have more work to do. Additionally, there is a layer where we are unable to get enough out of the package to give Max something to work with.
Furthermore, I'm not advocating for set-up tuning. I'm just stating that there is a problem we are having with that car that contributes to our fundamental poor performance. Now, our main focus is on figuring out how to resolve these kinds of complicated problems and comprehend complex constraints.
"So, even though it hurts to be behind the best teams like you are right now, that is exactly what the entire campus is set up to do: identify complex limitations like that, pinpoint them, and implement solutions that can lessen and improve them. Even though it hurts now, I am confident that our team excels in that particular area.
Furthermore, I'm not advocating for set-up tuning. I'm just stating that there is a problem we are having with that car that contributes to our fundamental poor performance. Now, our main focus is on figuring out how to resolve this kind of complicated problem and comprehend complicated limitations.
"So, even though it hurts to be behind the best teams like you are right now, that is exactly what the entire campus is set up to do: identify complex limitations like that, pinpoint them, and implement solutions that can lessen and improve them. Even though it hurts now, I am confident that our team excels in that particular area.